Do I need a Prescription to see a Physical Therapist?

People often ask if it is possible to see a physical therapist without getting a prescription from a doctor first. And the answer is yes, unless Medicare is your primary insurance. Here’s what “Direct Access” to physical therapy services in New York means for you.

Direct access for physical therapy removes the physician referral mandated by state law to access services for evaluation and treatment by a New York licensed physical therapist. It allows up to 10 visits, at which point you would need a prescription from a doctor in order to continue physical therapy. Your primary care physician, surgeon/specialist, Doctor of Osteopathy, or physician’s assistant are all authorized to provide a PT prescription.

 Medicare patients, however, are the exception–they still require a prescription from a medical doctor in order to be evaluated by a physical therapist.

For more information and to find which states, like New York, provide direct access to physical therapy services view the APTA direct access map.

By Aubin Sullivan